Army says dispatch of MPs to Samson murders in March violated federal law

(Press-Register/Mike Kittrell)A message asking for prayers is shown on a church sign north of Samson, Ala., Wednesday, March 11, 2009. The U.S. Army says the dispatch of military police and an officer to the scene of the march 10 murders in Samson violated federal law.

SAMSON, Ala. -- An Army investigation has found that the use of armed
military policemen from Fort Rucker in response to mass murders in Samson
violated federal law.

Records on the matter were released to the Dothan Eagle on Monday in response
to a Freedom of Information Act request.

The Department of Army Inspector General found a violation of the Posse
Comitatus Act, which restrains the use of the military for civilian law
enforcement purposes.

The Aug. 10 report says it does not appear the historic tradition of limiting
direct military involvement in civilian law enforcement activities was analyzed
or considered.

It says the intent was to be a good Army neighbor.

The Army earlier confirmed that 22 military police and an officer were sent
to Samson after the mass slaying of 10 people on March 10.